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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.