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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.