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Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.