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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced 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 spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.