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Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.