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Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.