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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.