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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.