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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.