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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.