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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.