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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“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 was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.