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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.