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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.