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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.