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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.