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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.