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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put 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 prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.