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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason 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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.