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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.