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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.