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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.