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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.