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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.