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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.