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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.