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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.