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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.