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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.