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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.