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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.