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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.