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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.