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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.