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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.