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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.