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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.