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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.