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It was two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom 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.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.