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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.