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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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 efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.