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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.