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Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.