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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent 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 versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality 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.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.