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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.