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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.