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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.