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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

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

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because 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. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.