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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.