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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.