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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side'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 sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.