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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.