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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays 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 was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.