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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“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 entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.