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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.