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A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.