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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

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 at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.