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It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause 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, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.