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It was 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side'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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.