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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.