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A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“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 entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.