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A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team'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, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.