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A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.