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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.