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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.