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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.