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A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.