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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.