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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.