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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.