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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.