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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.