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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As 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. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.