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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.