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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.