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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.