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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.