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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

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

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.