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It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.