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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.