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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.