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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.