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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.