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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.