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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.