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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.