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It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.