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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.