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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.