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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.