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A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.