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Just two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.