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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.