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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.