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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.