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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.