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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.