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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.