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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.