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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, 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 games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.