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Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.