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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.