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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.