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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.