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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.