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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.