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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.