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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

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

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.