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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.