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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.