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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.