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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.