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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.