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Just 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.