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It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.