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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.