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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.