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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“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. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.