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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.