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A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.