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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially 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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.