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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.