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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.