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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team'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 proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.