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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.