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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.