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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.