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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.