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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.