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A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.