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Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.