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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.