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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit 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 at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.