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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

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

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than 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 winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.