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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether 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.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.