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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.