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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.