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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.