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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team'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 much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial 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, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.