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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa'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 sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.