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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.