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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.