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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause 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, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.