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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.