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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.