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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.