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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.