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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.