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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.