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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator 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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.