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A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for 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, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.