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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.