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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.