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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.