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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.