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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows 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 once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.