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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.