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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.