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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.