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It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.