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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.