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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa'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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.