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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.