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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.