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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.