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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“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 entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.