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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign 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.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.