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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.