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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.