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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.