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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.