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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.