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It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.