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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.