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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.