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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.