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A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.