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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.