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Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.