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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa'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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.