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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.