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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign 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.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.