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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.