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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.