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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.