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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason 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, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.