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Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.