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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.