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Just 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.