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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.