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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.