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It was eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.