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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.