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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.