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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.