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Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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 opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.