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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.