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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.