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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.