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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.