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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.