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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.