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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.