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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.