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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.