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Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They 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 greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.