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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.