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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side'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 decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.