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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.