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It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.