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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.