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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.