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Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason 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.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.