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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.