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It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.