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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of 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. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match 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.