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It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.