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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.