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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.