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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.