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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.