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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.