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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.