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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.