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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team 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 at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.