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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.