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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.