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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.