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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.