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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.