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A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.