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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.