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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.