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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.