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Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.