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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.