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Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.