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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.