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It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.