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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“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. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

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

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.