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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of 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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.