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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.