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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team'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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.