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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.