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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.