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Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.