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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team'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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.