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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.