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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.