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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.