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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.