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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.