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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.