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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.