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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.