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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.