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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.