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Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.