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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source 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 entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.