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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.