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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.