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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.