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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.