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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.