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Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.