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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of 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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.