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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.