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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.