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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.