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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.