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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.