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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.