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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.