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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.