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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.