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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.