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A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.