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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.