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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.