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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.