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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.