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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.