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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.