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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

“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 entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential 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 orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.