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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.