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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.