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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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 opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.