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A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.