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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.