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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.