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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.