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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.