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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.