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Just 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.