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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.