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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.