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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.