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It was two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.