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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.