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It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.