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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.