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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.