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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

“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 was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.