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It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.