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It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period 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, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.