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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.