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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

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

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.