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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.