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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team'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, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.