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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“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 was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters 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 should be relished.