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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.