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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.