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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side'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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.