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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.