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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.