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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.