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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.