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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.