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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.