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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.