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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.