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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.