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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.