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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.