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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.