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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.