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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.