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A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“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. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.