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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.