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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.