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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.