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A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of 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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.