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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of 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, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.