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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.