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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.