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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.