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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.