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Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.