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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.