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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.