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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team'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 far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.