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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.