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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.