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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.