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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.