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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom 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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.