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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.