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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.