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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.