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A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.