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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.