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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of 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 was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.