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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.