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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.