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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.