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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but currently 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 two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.