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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.