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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.