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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.