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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.