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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.