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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.