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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.