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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.