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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.