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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa'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, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.