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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.