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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.