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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.