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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.