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It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of 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 entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.