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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.