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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.