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It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.