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It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.