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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.