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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.