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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.