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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.