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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.