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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.