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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.