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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.