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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers 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 spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.