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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.