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A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.