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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.