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It was 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.