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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.