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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.