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Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.