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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.