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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.