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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.