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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.