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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post 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.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.