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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.