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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.