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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.