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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.