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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.