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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.