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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.