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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.