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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.