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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.