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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.