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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.