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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.