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A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.