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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.