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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.