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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.