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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.