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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.