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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.