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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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 managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.