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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.