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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.