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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.