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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.