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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa'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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.