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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.