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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.