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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 berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.