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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.