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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.