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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.