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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.