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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.