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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team'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 sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.