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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.