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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“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 proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.