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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.