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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of 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 sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.