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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere 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 this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.