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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.