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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.