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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.