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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form 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.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.