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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of 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 sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.