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A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.