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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.