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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.