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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.