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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.