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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.