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It was two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.