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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.