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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.