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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.