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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.