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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.