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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.