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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.