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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.