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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.