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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.