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Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, 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.