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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.