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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.