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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.