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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.