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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.