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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely 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, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.