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It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.