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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When 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 must be appreciated.