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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team'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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.