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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“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 entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.