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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of 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 was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.