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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.