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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

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

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.