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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.