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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.