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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.