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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.