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It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.