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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.