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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.