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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of 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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.