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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.