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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.