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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.