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Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.