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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.