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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.