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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“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 manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.