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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.