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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.