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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

“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 was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.