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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.