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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa'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 manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright 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.

“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 opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.