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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.