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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.