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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.