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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.