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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as 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. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.