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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.