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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.