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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.