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A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.