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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays 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.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.