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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.