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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team'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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.