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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.