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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.