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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.