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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.