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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“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 entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of 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 finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.