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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.