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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.