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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.